Medical waste fluid collection and disposal system

ABSTRACT

A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor. A coupler communicates with the station drain line, flushing line and the station data line and a station power line. The station coupler removably engages the cart receptacle so operation of the cart and station components can be coordinated by the processors for drainage and flushing of the cart canisters.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/245,966, filed Oct. 6, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,292,857 which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/997,787,filed Oct. 4, 2007.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to systems for handling biologicalfluids and, in particular, to an automated system for collecting wastefluids during medical procedures and safely disposing of the wastefluids.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system of theinvention, including a first embodiment of the cart;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the cylinder lids ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the station coupler of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the coupler of FIG. 1 with half of thecoupler housing removed;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the coupler of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the coupler of FIGS. 3-5 with thehandle in a released position;

FIG. 7 is a partial side elevational view of the coupler of FIGS. 3-6with the handle in a locked position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the coupler of FIG. 5 in engagement withthe socket of the cart receptacle;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the cart ofthe system of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the cart taken along line 10-10 of FIG.9;

FIG. 11 is a partial rear perspective view of the cart of FIGS. 9 and10;

FIG. 12 is an exploded enlarged perspective view of valve assembly andvalve drive system of the cart of FIGS. 9-12;

FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the valve assembly and valvedrive system of FIG. 12 after assembly;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the valve assembly taken along line 14-14of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged exploded view of the lower portion of the cart ofFIGS. 9-11;

FIG. 16 is schematic of the cart of FIGS. 9-15;

FIG. 17 is a schematic of an embodiment of the station of the invention;

FIGS. 18A-18C are schematics illustrating configurations of the cartvalves of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the cart lid ring assembly;

FIG. 20 is an assembled perspective view of the cart lid ring assemblyof FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of a lid insert assembly in an alternativeembodiment of the cart;

FIG. 22 is an assembled perspective view of the lid insert assembly ofFIG. 21 in a closed configuration;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the lid insert assembly of FIG. 22 inan open configuration;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the lid insert assembly of FIGS. 21-23and a portion of the cart of FIG. 9 with a disposable lid beinginserted;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the lid insert assembly and portion ofthe cart of FIG. 24 with the disposable lid fully inserted;

FIG. 26 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the composite hose ofthe invention;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a portion of the cart of FIG. 9 with acanister removed to show the canister lighting arrangement;

FIG. 28 is an exploded enlarged perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of the valve assembly and valve drive system of the cart ofFIGS. 9-12;

FIG. 29 is a bottom perspective view of the valve assembly and valvedrive system of FIG. 28 after assembly but with the drive housingremoved;

FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of the valve assembly and valvedrive system of FIG. 29 with the drive housing in place.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the system of the present invention is indicated ingeneral at 100 in FIG. 1. The system includes a cart, indicated ingeneral at 102, and an evacuation station, indicated in general at 104.

The cart features a top plate 108 and a bottom plate 110. Positionedbetween the top and bottom plates are fluid collection cylinders 112a-112 d. While four cylinders are shown in FIG. 1, the cart may featurean alternative number of cylinders, such as two in the case of thealternative embodiment discussed below. The cart also features a bottomcabinet, indicated at 114, that is mounted on casters 116 a-116 d whichoffer steering capability for the cart. The casters also preferablyinclude a brake feature. Such casters are well-known in the art. The topplate 108 features a handle 118. As a result, the cart may be easilypushed to and from an operating room.

As will be described in greater detail below, each of the cylinders 112a-112 d are connected to a vacuum source via flexible tubing 122 a-122 dand their lids 124 a-124 d. An enlarged view of one of the lids isprovided in FIG. 2, where the lid is indicated in general at 124 a. Thelid is preferably constructed of molded plastic and is disposable.Flexible tubing 122 a of FIG. 1 attaches at one end to vacuum port 126,with the opposite end attaching to a vacuum pump as described below. Thevacuum port is provided with a filter, preferably a hydrophobic filter,positioned in compartment 127 (FIG. 2). Normally when in use during amedical procedure, the accessory port 128 is covered by cap 132. Apatient out suction tube is connected to the ortho port 133, while atandem port 134 and an patient port 135 are covered by two of the caps136 a-136 d. The lid 124 a also includes tubing post 137 for occludedvacuum with the patient tubing. The same applies for the remainingcylinder lids 124 b-124 d of FIG. 1. As a result, suction is selectivelydrawn on each cylinder so that fluids may be collected therein duringthe medical procedure via the suction tubing. The suction and otherfunctions of the cart are controlled via a touch screen 140 of FIG. 1.

After the cart 102 is used in an operating room procedure, and fluidshave been collected in one or more of the cylinders 112 a-112 d, thepatient suction tubing is removed from the cylinder lids and all portsfor each cylinder lid to which suction was applied are covered with caps(such as one of the caps 136 a-136 d of FIG. 2 for lid 124 a). The cartis then rolled to a positioned adjacent to the evacuation station 104for draining, washing, disinfecting, rinsing and return to a suctioncollection state, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

Evacuation station 104 includes a housing 142 that contains a source ofdisinfection solution, pump, drainage system and other components, whichare described below, for draining, washing and disinfecting thecylinders of cart 102. As will be explained in greater detail below, theevacuation station 104 communicates with cart 102 by way of compositehose 144 and coupler 146. As illustrated in FIG. 1, coupler 146 isreceived within a receptacle 148 of the cart. When the draining, washingand disinfecting of the cart cylinders is complete, the coupler 146 isremoved from the cart receptacle 148 so that the cart may again berolled to an operating room for use.

Enlarged and sectional views of the coupler 136 of the system of FIG. 1are presented in FIGS. 3-8. Prior art systems, such as the oneillustrated in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,090,663, require thatmultiple fluid lines and an electrical line be individually connectedbetween the cart and the evacuation station. The coupler 146 permits asingle connection to be made between the cart and station. Thissimplifies and expedites connecting the cart to, and disconnecting thecart from, the evacuation station.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the coupler 146 includes a coupler housing152, a coupler handle 154 and a coupler nose plate 155. FIG. 4 shows thecoupler with half of the housing removed. As illustrated in FIG. 4, thecoupler features a wash supply line 156 and wash drain line 158. Thecoupler also features an electrical connector 162, which is position innose plate 155. As will be explained in greater detail below, theelectrical connector provides 24V DC power to the cart for powering acart processor and operation of the valve drive system, sensors,solenoids and touch screen. The connector also permits data transferbetween the cart and the evacuation station processors and provides thecart's safety ground plain connection. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5,the wash supply and drain lines terminate at one end in wash supply anddrain fittings 164 and 166, respectively, both of which are positionedon nose plate 155. Wash supply and drain lines 156 and 158, along withan electrical line featuring one end that terminates in electricalconnector 162, are combined in a parallel fashion and housed incomposite hose 144 of FIG. 1, which is attached to the evacuationstation 104, as will be explained below.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4-8, the coupler also includes a ratchet wheel172 to which handle 154 is attached. Ratchet wheel 172 pivots about anaxis defined by screw 174. In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7,the coupler includes a solenoid 176 featuring a ram 178 that is attachedin a pivoting fashion by pin 180 to a toggle 182. Toggle 182 pivotsabout pin 184 and features a top tooth 186 a and a bottom tooth 186 b.Ratchet wheel 172 includes a top notch 188 a (FIG. 6) and a bottom notch188 b (FIG. 7). The top portion of toggle 182 is connected to tensioncoil spring 192 that urges the toggle to pivot about pin 184 in acounter-clockwise direction.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6 the coupler also features a hook arm,indicated in general at 194. The hook arm features a hook portion 196 atone end and is pivotally connected at the opposing end via pin 198 toratchet wheel 172. The hook arm also includes a generally L-shaped slot202 (see also FIGS. 5 and 8) within which pin 204 is received.

When a user initially inserts the coupler in the receptacle of the cart(indicated at 148 in FIG. 1), the coupler is in the configurationillustrated in FIG. 6 (and FIGS. 3 and 4). More specifically, thesolenoid 116 is not powered and ram 178 is extended. As a result, thebottom tooth 186 b of the toggle is positioned within the bottom slot188 b of the ratchet wheel 172 and handle 154 is locked in the positionillustrated. In addition, the hook portion 196 of the hook arm 194 isrecessed within the generally square opening 206 of the coupler housing(as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6) so that it is flush with the topsurface of the coupler housing.

As illustrated in FIG. 6-8, the coupler also features a proximity sensor208, which is positioned adjacent to the interior surface of the bottomof the coupler housing and detects when metal is near. The proximitysensor includes a circuit for determining proximity to metal. Asillustrated in FIG. 8, the socket 212 of the cart receptacle (148 inFIG. 1) features a metal strip 214. After the coupler 146 is insertedinto the cart receptacle 148, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8, theproximity sensor 208 of the coupler detects the presence of the nowadjacent metal strip 214 within the socket of the cart receptacle. Theproximity sensor then sends a signal to a switch within the coupler thatenergizes the solenoid 176 with power received from the evacuationstation via electrical connector 162 (FIGS. 4 and 5).

When the solenoid 176 is powered, ram 178 is retracted, as illustratedin FIGS. 7 and 8. As a result, toggle 182 is pivoted about pin 184 in aclockwise direction so that the bottom tooth 186 b of the toggle 182 isremoved from the lower notch 188 b of ratchet wheel 172. As a result,ratchet wheel 172 is free to pivot and the user may rotate the handle154 in the direction of arrow 216 of FIG. 6 from a release position(illustrated in FIG. 6) into the lock position shown in FIG. 7. As thisoccurs, the ratchet wheel 172 rotates in a clockwise direction aboutscrew and pivot axis 174 until the upper tooth 186 a of the toggleengages the upper notch 188 a of the ratchet wheel 172.

As the ratchet wheel 172 rotates clockwise, while the user is rotatinghandle 154, the hook arm is pulled to the right of FIG. 6 by pin 198. Asa result, pin 204 travels through the generally L-shaped slot 206 fromthe position illustrated in FIG. 6 to the position illustrated in FIGS.5 and 8. This causes the hook portion 196 of the hook arm to rise upthrough opening 206 (FIGS. 3 and 6) of the top surface of the couplerhousing to the position illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8. As a result, withreference to FIG. 8, the hook portion 196 engages a corresponding notch220 formed in the socket 212 of the cart receptacle (148 in FIG. 1) sothat the coupler cannot be withdrawn from the cart receptacle. Inaddition, when the hook portion 196 engages the socket 212, it aids inengagement by pulling coupler into the receptacle as the handle isrotated downwards. This provides a mechanical advantage for theinsertion of the wash supply and drain fittings 164 and 166 into thecorresponding ports, and O-rings, of the socket.

Due to the engagement of the upper tooth 186 a of the toggle with theupper notch 188 a of the ratchet wheel, as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 7 and8, the handle 154 of the coupler is locked in the position illustratedin FIG. 7 until the solenoid 176 is de-energized and the ram 178 returnsto the original extended position illustrated in FIG. 6 (as the coilspring 192 contracts). The coupler is therefore locked within the socketof the cart receptacle, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8, until thesolenoid 176 (FIGS. 6-8) is de-energized. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and4, the coupler features an “emergency release” button 222 thatde-energizes the solenoid 176 so that the handle 154 may be lifted intothe position illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, and the coupler removedfrom the cart receptacle.

An embodiment of the cart of the system featuring two fluid collectioncanisters is indicated in general at 220 in FIGS. 9 and 10. As describedpreviously with reference to the embodiment of the cart of FIG. 1, inthis embodiment, the canisters are two cylinders, indicated at 222 a and222 b in FIGS. 9 and 10, are positioned between a top plate 224 and abottom plate 226. Circular portions of the bottom plate 226 form thebottoms of the cylinders 222 a and 222 b. The cylinders are preferablyconstructed of acrylic and may feature a fluorinated coating for easiercleaning. The cylinders may also be constructed from a variety ofalternative materials including, but not limited to, glass and plastic.The cart is mounted on casters 228 a-228 d and top plate 224 features ahandle 232 so that the cart may be easily pushed to and from anoperating room.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, the cart also features a bottom cabinet,indicated at 234, as well as a back cabinet, indicated at 236. Asillustrated in FIG. 11, the back-cabinet 236 features a door 238 thatpermits access to its interior.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, a fluid manifold 240 is positioned,between cylinders 222 a and 222 b and extends into the interior of backcabinet 236. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the fluid manifold includes a“wash” tube fitting 242, a “drain” tube fitting 244 and a “vent” tubefitting 246. The “wash” tube fitting (242 in FIG. 11) communicates witha 3-way “wash” valve, illustrated at 250 in FIG. 10, via fluid passage252, also illustrated in FIG. 10. The “drain” tube fitting (244 in FIG.11) similarly communicates with a 3-way “drain” valve, illustrated at254 in FIG. 10, via fluid passage 256, also illustrated in FIG. 10. The“vent” tube fitting (246 in FIG. 11) similarly communicates with a 3-way“vent” valve, illustrated at 258 in FIG. 10, via fluid passage 260, alsoillustrated in FIG. 10.

As will be explained in greater detail below, wash tube fitting 242communicates with the cart receptacle 259 (FIG. 11) via flexible tubing(not shown) so that it may receive water and cleaning and disinfectingsolution from, with reference to FIG. 1, the composite hose 144 andcoupler 146 of the evacuation station 104. The drain tube fitting 244similarly communicates with the cart receptacle (259 in FIG. 11) viaflexible tubing (not shown) so that it may direct waste fluid to theevacuation station via the coupler and composite hose of the station.Vent tube fitting 246 communicates with the interiors of the cylindersvia flexible tubing (not shown) and vent ports formed in the cylinderlids (illustrated at 261 a and 261 b in FIG. 9).

As illustrated in FIG. 12, valve 250, drain valve 254, vent valve 258and a short loop valve 262 (also shown in FIG. 10) are positionedbetween left and right manifold blocks 264 a and 264 b. The manifoldblocks 264 a and 264 b feature leading ends 266 a and 266 b,respectively, which face the front of the cart.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, which is a sectional view taken from theassembled manifold blocks illustrated in FIG. 13, the wash valve 250communicates with fluid passages 268 a and 268 b. The fluid passages 268a and 268 b lead to and communicate with cleaning nozzles, which connectto base ports 272 a and 272 b in FIG. 15. The nozzles, examples of whichare illustrated at 273 a and 273 b in FIG. 1, rotate when water,cleaning and disinfecting solutions are supplied thereto in the mannerdescribed below. As a result, the nozzles spray the interior of thecylinders (222 a and 222 b of FIGS. 9 and 10) so that they are cleaned,disinfected and drained.

In addition, FIG. 14 illustrates that the drain valve 254 communicateswith fluid passages 274 a and 274 b, which terminate into oblongrecesses 276 a and 276 b which, as illustrated in FIG. 15 communicatewith correspondingly sized and shaped openings 278 a and 278 b formed inbottom plate 226. As a result, the drain valve 254 communicates with theinterior of each cylinder (222 a and 222 b in FIG. 9).

Vent valve 258, as illustrated in FIG. 14 communicates with fluidpassages 282 a and 282 b. As will be explained in greater detail below,the fluid passages communicate with a gas collector, illustrated at 284in FIGS. 10 (and 16), via flexible tubing. Gas collector 284 may beperiodically connected to the hospital building ventilation system forventing to the exterior of the building.

Short loop valve 262, as illustrated in FIG. 14, communicates with fluidpassages 286 a and 286 b. As will be explained in greater detail below,the fluid passages selectively communicate with the supply of water andcleaning and disinfecting solutions from the system station to avoiddrips when the station coupler (146 in FIG. 1) is disconnected from thecart.

Returning to FIG. 12, valves 250, 254, 258 and 262 are controlled via avalve drive system that includes a gear train featuring gears 290 a, 290b, 290 c and 290 d. A main drive gear 292 is connected to gear 290 a sothat they turn in unison. The main drive gear is engaged by a worm gear294 which is selectively rotated by an electric drive motor 296. As aresult, the configuration of the valves 250, 254, 258 and 262 may becontrolled by activation of the electric drive motor 296. As illustratedin FIGS. 12 and 13, the gear train, main drive gear, worm gear andelectric drive motor are secured to the manifold blocks 264 a and 264 bby drive housing 298.

As mentioned previously, valves 250, 254, 258 and 262 are 3-way valves.The configurations of valves 250, 254 and 258 include simultaneously“on” for cylinder 222 a only, simultaneously “on” for cylinder 222 bonly or simultaneously “off” for both cylinders. When the valves areconfigured to be “on” for cylinder 222 a only, water and cleaning anddisinfecting solution are provided to cylinder 222 a and drainage andventing are provided for cylinder 222 a. When the valves are configuredto be “on” for cylinder 222 b only, water and cleaning and disinfectingsolution are provided to cylinder 222 b and drainage and venting areprovided for cylinder 222 b. When valves 250, 254 and 258 are configuredin either one of the two “on” positions, short loop valve 262 isconfigured in an “off” position. When valves 250, 254 and 258 are eachconfigured in the “off” position, short loop valve 262 is configured inan “on” position, the impact of which will be described below.

Additional details and operation of the system will now be describedwith regard to FIGS. 16 and 17, which show schematics of the cart andstation, respectively, as well as FIG. 18, which illustrates theconfigurations of the cart valves during evacuation of the cylinders anduse in the operating room.

A schematic of the cart of FIGS. 9-15, is illustrated in FIG. 16. Asillustrated in FIG. 16, the cart features a vacuum pump 302 that isdriven by an electric drive motor 304. When in the operating room, theelectric drive motor 304 of the pump receives power via 120V powerhookup 307 of FIG. 11. The vacuum pump 302 is also illustrated in FIG.10 and can feature a variable speed motor (304 in FIG. 16) so that avariety of suction levels may be provided by the cart. As an alternativeto a variable speed pump, individual regulating lines may be used toprovide variable suction levels. The suction provided by the pump 302 isdetected by pressure sensor 305 which, as will be explained below,communicates with the cart processor. As illustrated in FIG. 16, thevacuum pump 302 selectively communicates with cylinder 222 a via lines306, 308, 310 and 312 and valve 314 and/or cylinder 222 b via lines 306,308, 316 and 318 and valve 320. Valves 314 and 320 are also illustratedin FIG. 15 and are positioned within the bottom cabinet 234 of the cart.Lines 312 and 318 of FIG. 16 are actually flexible tubing that connectthe vacuum ports of the cylinder lids, illustrated at 322 a and 322 b inFIG. 9, with valves 314 and 320.

Suction may therefore be pulled on either cylinder 222 a or 222 bindividually, or suction may be pulled on both cylinders simultaneously,by vacuum pump 302. Exhaust air exiting the vacuum pump 302 travelsthrough check valve 324, exhaust muffler 326 and particulate filter 328before venting to the operating room/atmosphere or hospital suctionsystem. Filtration is provided for the pump input via HEPA bio-filter325 of FIG. 16. As a result, as explained above with regard to FIGS. 1and 2, patient suction lines, illustrated at 333 a and 333 b in FIG. 16,may be connected to patient ports in the cylinder lids (261 a and 261 bin FIG. 9) so that waste fluids may be collected in either or bothcylinders 222 a and 222 b during a surgical procedure.

The cart protects the filter 328 and the HEPA bio-filter 325 by use of ahydrophobic pre-filters in the canister lids, illustrated at 327 and 329in FIG. 16, and a sensor to detect if filter 328 becomes wet or damagedso that it would be ineffective. This may be done by a sensor thatdetects pressure differential change in the air flow across the filter.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the cart also features a vacuum transfervalve 330 allowing a hospital vacuum system 332 to be used whenultra-low vacuum is required for suction.

When the cart is wheeled out of the operating room, either or bothcylinders 222 a and 222 b will be at lease partially filled with wastefluid from the surgical procedure. To drain, wash and disinfect thecylinder(s), the cart must be positioned adjacent to the systemevacuation station and the station coupler positioned within the cartreceptacle, as illustrated for cart 102 and evacuation station 104 ofFIG. 1.

A schematic of an embodiment of the evacuation station is provided inFIG. 17. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the station includes a coupler 334(also illustrated in FIG. 9) which is coupled to the station by acomposite hose (such as illustrated by composite hose 144 of FIG. 1)that includes data link 336, power lines 338, wash supply line 340 anddrain line 342, along with corresponding connectors in the coupler 334.The wash drain line 342 communicates, with a drain pump 344, which ispowered by electric drive motor 346. The outlet of the drain pumpcommunicates with the hospital sewer connection 348. The wash supplyline 340 communicates with a supply of bleach 350 and a supply of enzyme352 via a valve 354, a flushing pump 356 and a chemical injectionfitting 358. The chemical injection fitting 358 also receives water fromhot water connection 360 and cold water connection 362 through solenoidvalves 364 and 366.

When the coupler 334 (FIG. 17) of the station is inserted into thereceptacle 259 (FIG. 16) of the cart, as illustrated in FIG. 9, thepower, data, wash supply and drain connectors in the coupler andreceptacle engage. Next, the handle of the coupler 368 (FIG. 9) ispivoted down, as described with reference to FIGS. 3-8 above. Indeed,the coupler 334 of FIGS. 9 and 17 features the same construction as thecoupler 146 of FIGS. 3-8 and operates in the same fashion.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the station features a processor 372, whilethe cart, as illustrated in FIG. 16, features a processor 374. Theprocessor 374 of the cart communicates with a touch screen 376 (alsoshown in FIGS. 9 and 10), which controls operation of the system bothwhen the cart is connected to the evacuation station, and when the cartis being used in the operating room. When the cart is being used in theoperating room, the cart processor and touch screen receive powerthrough the 120V AC hookup 307 of FIG. 11, after it is converted to 24VDC with a power supply on board the cart. With regard to the latter, thecart computer 374, based on user inputs through the touch screen 376,controls operation of valves 314 and 320 of FIG. 16 as well as the speedof vacuum pump drive motor 304 and the configuration of vacuum transfervalve 330 to control the level of vacuum provided for each cylinder.

With the cart and station connected through coupler 334 and receptacle259, cart data line 378 (FIG. 16) and station data line 336 (FIG. 17)permit the cart and station processors to communicate so that the usercan control both, and therefore the draining, washing and disinfectingoperations, via the touch screen 376.

When the cart and station are connected, the cart processor determineswhether or not there is waste fluid in either cylinder 222 a or 222 b orboth. This is accomplished via level transducers 380 a and 380 b. Thetransducers preferably take the form of the magnorestrictive liquidlevel sensors, indicated in general at 380 a and 380 b in FIG. 15.

When the cart is being used in surgery to provide suction to a patient,wash valve 250, waste valve 254 and vent valve 258 are closed, whileshort loop valve 262 is open. This valve configuration is illustrated inFIG. 18C. When the cart processor 374 detects, via the canister liquidlevel transducers, that either canister 222 a and 222 b is nearly filledwith liquid waste, an audible/audio and/or optical/visual warning isprovided to allow operator to change to the other cylinder. The opticalwarning may include an illuminated “X” over graphic displays of thecanisters on the touch screen 376. The audible warning may includeactivation of a buzzer, bell or any other audio device which may bepositioned in the touch screen housing or otherwise on the cart.

When the cart is connected to the station, if the cart processordetermines that there is liquid waste in cylinder 222 a, or liquid wastein both cylinders 222 a and 222 b, the cart processor energizes electricvalve drive motor 296 so that the wash, drain, vent and short loopvalves 250, 254, 258 and 262, respectively, are placed in theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 18A. The cart processor thencommunicates to the station processor that the cart is configured towash cylinder 222 a. The cart processor also causes a “draining cycle”indication to be displayed on the cart touch screen 375.

The station processor 372 then activates drain pump 334 of the station.With reference to FIG. 16, waste liquid from cylinder 222 a travelsthrough fluid passage 274 a (see also FIG. 14) to waste valve 254 andthen through fluid passage 256 (see also FIG. 10) and line 386 to thereceptacle 259. With reference to FIG. 17, the waste liquid then travelsthrough coupler 334 through station line 342, through drain pump 344 andthen to sewer connection 348 where it is disposed.

Venting is provided to cylinder 222 a via line 387, fluid passage 282 a(see also FIG. 14) and vent valve 258. As illustrated in FIG. 16, line387 communicates with a vent port in the lid of cylinder 222 a. Ventvalve 258 communicates with collector 284 via fluid passage 260 (seealso FIG. 10) and line 389.

When the liquid level transducer 380 a (FIG. 16) detects that there isno more liquid waste in the cylinder 222 a, the cart processor causes a“flushing cycle” indication to be displayed on the cart touch screen 376and sends a signal to the station processor 372 (FIG. 17) indicatingthat the flushing cycle should begin. With reference to FIG. 17, thestation processor activates flushing pump 356 so that a mixture ofbleach and enzyme are provided to the chemical injection fitting 358.This mixture is combined with water in the chemical injection fitting358 so that the resulting disinfecting solution is supplied via line 340to the coupler 334.

With reference to FIG. 16, the disinfecting solution travels from thecoupler 334 through the receptacle 259, line 388 and fluid passage 252(See also FIG. 10) to wash valve 250. The disinfecting solution thentravels through fluid passage 268 a (see also FIG. 14) to rotatingnozzle 392 a so that the interior of cylinder 222 a is flushed with thedisinfecting solution. The disinfecting solution combined with theliquid waste remaining in the cylinder 222 a travels out of the cylinderthrough fluid passage 274 a and, as during the draining cycle, isdirected through the waste valve 254, fluid passage 256, line 386, cartreceptacle 259, station coupler 334, line 342, drain pump 344 and finalto sewer connection 348 for disposal.

After a period of time, the station flushing pump 356 is deactivated bythe station processor while the station drain pump continues to run sothat all of the liquid in cylinder 222 a drains. When the liquid leveltransducer 380 a indicates that cylinder 222 a is empty, the flushingpump is again activated so that the flushing cycle is repeated. Thestation and cart processors keep track of the number of flushing cyclesand preferably two or three flushing cycles are performed. When the lastflushing cycle is performed, the “flushing cycle” indication provided ontouch screen 376 is extinguished with both the station flushing anddrain pumps deactivated.

If the liquid level transducer 380 b of the cart detects the presence ofwaste liquid in cylinder 222 b, the cart processor the cart processorenergizes electric valve drive motor 296 and reconfigures the cartvalves into the configuration indicated in FIG. 18B. The above processis then repeated for cylinder 222 b.

In addition to the liquid level transducers 380 a and 380 b, thecylinders may be optionally be provided with sensors that detect thedensity or other characteristic of the fluid in the cylinders. As aresult, the processor, and thus system, may provide an automaticnotification that the operator needs to soak a cylinder for deepcleaning in appropriate situations. The system then provides anautomatic soak cycle when the operator accepts the notification.Alternatively, the user may manually configure (via the touch screen376) the system to provide an extended soaking period to dissolve bloodclots and the like.

During the draining and flushing cycles described above, the stationprocessor directs the coupler to maintain the coupler solenoid (176 inFIGS. 4 and 6-8) in an energized state so that it cannot be removed fromthe cart receptacle.

After the final washing cycle has been completed for either or both ofcylinders 222 a and 222 b, and the cart processor determines there is nomore liquid in either cylinder, the cart processor energizes theelectric drive motor 296 (FIG. 16) so that the valves 250, 254, 258 and262 are again placed in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 18C. Asdescribed previously, in this configuration, the wash, waste and ventvalves 250, 254 and 258 are all closed or “off,” however, the short loopvalve 262 is open or “on.” This causes the cart wash supply line 388 tocommunicate with the fluid passage 286 a (see also FIG. 14) and theinlet of the short loop valve 262. The outlet of the short loop valve262 communicates with fluid passage 395 (FIGS. 10 and 16) and cart drainline 386. The station drain pump continues to run so that any liquidremaining in the wash line 340 and drain line 342 of the stationcomposite hose is completely drained and routed to the station sewerconnection 348. This prevents drips from the coupler 334 when it isdisengaged from the station receptacle 259.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the station features pressure sensor 403 andflow meter 405 in communication with drain line, both of whichcommunicate with the station processor 372. As a result, the processorcan detect when the drain pump 344 is functioning and at what flow rate.

The station may optionally use the pressure sensor 403 and flow meter405 to detect clogs in the drain line. When a clog is detected, theprocessor may reverse direction of the drain pump 344 to momentarilycause a back flush to help remove the clog automatically.

The station also includes flow meter 406, which detects the flow rate ofthe bleach and enzyme mixture to the chemical injection fitting 358, andflow meter 408, which detects the flow rate of water to the chemicalinjection fitting. Both flow meters 406 and 408 communicate with thestation processor so that it may adjust the speed of the flushing pump356 so that the proper solution composition is provided to the cart.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, lid 261 a engages a cart lid ring 410. Lid261 b (FIG. 9) engages a similar cart lid ring. As illustrated in FIGS.19 and 20, the cart lid ring 410 is part of a cart lid ring assembly,one each of which, with reference to FIG. 11, is mounted within thecircular openings 412 a and 412 b formed in cart top plate 224. Asillustrated in FIG. 19, a lid alignment member 414 is positioned withinthe central opening 416 of the cart lid ring 410, with O-ring 418positioned there between for sealing. A dowel pin 422 is positionedwithin a bore 424 formed in the cart lid ring 410 and engages acorresponding bore formed in lid alignment member 414. A second O-ring426 is positioned between the top of a fluid collection cylinder (suchas 222 a or 222 b in FIG. 9) and an interior circumferential ledge 428formed within the cart lid ring 410. A lid alignment spud 432 is securedto the lid alignment member 414 by threaded engagement with aperture433. An O-ring 434 is positioned there between.

The assembled cart lid ring assembly is illustrated in FIG. 20. The cartlid ring 410 includes an exterior circumferential ledge 436 that engagesthe top of cart top plate when the cart lid ring assembly is mounted tothe cart top plate 224 (FIG. 10). The cart lid ring also includes acircumferential lip 437 that is engaged by the lid. The openings 438 and442 formed in the lid alignment member 414 permit the ports of the lidto communicate with the interior of the fluid collection cylinder. Thelid alignment spud 432 engages the cylinder lid accessory port (128 inFIG. 2) so that the remaining lid ports are aligned with openings 438and 442. The cylinder lid snaps onto the top edge 444 of the cart lidring, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The top edge or other portion of thecart lid ring 410 or lid alignment member 414 may be provided with analternative lid alignment and/or locking arrangement which may or maynot require a corresponding structure on the cylinder lid.

The cart lid ring 410 and lid alignment member 414 are both preferablyconstructed of aluminum or stainless steel, but other materials mayalternatively be used.

In addition to holding the lid, the cart lid ring assembly preventssplash back and is an accessible opening if needed to service or cleanthe inside of the cylinder. In addition, the lid alignment member 414provides a support for the lid's main body so that the lid is notsupported solely around the circumferential edge of the lid. Thisprevents any lid failure due to the lid imploding into the cylinder.

In an alternative embodiment of the cart, the lid alignment member 414of FIGS. 19 and 20 may be replaced by the lid insert assembly, indicatedin general at 460 in FIGS. 21-23. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the lidinsert assembly includes an insert 462 and an O-ring 464 that ispositioned between the insert 462 and the cart lid ring 410 (FIG. 19).The insert 462 includes a central aperture 463. A flap 466 is attachedto the bottom of the insert 462 via hinge members 468 a and 468 b andpin 472. A torsion spring 474 urges the flap 466 into the closedconfiguration, illustrated in FIG. 22, where the central aperture 463 ofthe insert 462 is covered. The open configuration of the flap 466,against the urging of torsion spring 474, is illustrated in FIG. 23 andleaves the central aperture 463 of the insert 462 uncovered.

As illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, a disposable lid, indicated ingeneral at 480, features a cylindrical portion 482 and a head portion,indicated in general at 484, which features suction ports 486 a, 486 band 486 c and auxiliary port 488, as well as associated caps. Theinterior of cylindrical portion is hollow and communicates with thesuction and auxiliary ports. The head 484 also features tab 490 and anidentical tab (not shown) positioned on the opposite side of head 484.

As illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 24, the wall 461 defining centralaperture 462 features notches 492 a and 492 b which communicate withhorizontal slots 494 a and 494 b, respectively, that are also formed inthe wall 461.

To prepare a canister for use in surgery, the cylindrical portion 482 ofthe disposable lid 480 is moved through the central aperture 463 of theinsert 462. As this occurs, the flap 466 of the lid insert assemblyswings into the open position illustrated in FIG. 23. This action isaided by arcuate-shaped opening member 495 of FIG. 21, which is engaged,by the bottom of the lid cylindrical portion. As the lid is furtherlowered into the central opening 463, the tabs 490 of the head 484 arealigned with notches 492 a and 492 b of the insert 462 and the lid 480is lowered into the positioned illustrated in FIG. 25. The head 484 isthe turned, as indicated by arrow 496 of FIG. 25 so that the tabs 490 ofthe lid move through horizontal slots 494 a and 494 b of FIGS. 21 and24. As a result, the disposable lid 480 is secured in place, and suctiontubes may be attached to ports 486 a-486 c.

After surgery is completed, the disposable lid 480 may be removed fromthe insert 462 by performing the sequence of the above paragraph inreverse order. After the disposable lid is removed from the insert, theflap 466 moves into the closed configuration of FIG. 22. As a result,the contents of the canister cannot splash out or otherwise escape fromthe canister as the cart is transported.

An alternative embodiment of the composite hose 144 of FIG. 1 ispresented in FIG. 26 in cross-section. As illustrated in FIG. 26, thecomposite hose features PVC hoses 502 and 504, which may be used for thewash supply and drain lines of the evacuation station. The power anddata lines of the evacuation station are provided by 10 wire 20 AWGcables 506 and 508. A ground wire 510 is also provided. The hoses 502and 504, cables 506 and 508 and ground wire 510 are surrounded by anEPDM thermoelastic polymer jacket 512.

The cylinders of the cart may optionally feature lighting that isautomatically illuminated when either cylinder, or both, is in useduring a medical procedure. With reference to FIG. 9, the lighting maybe activated by touch screen 376 or may automatically be activated bythe cart processor when the cart is in use during surgery. Withreference to FIG. 27, the lighting preferably takes the form of multiplelight-emitting diodes 514 a-514 h that extend vertically behind eachcanister. The illumination allows the liquid level in each canister tobe easily monitored by the operator.

As illustrated in FIGS. 28-30, the valve drive system of the cart mayinclude a chain drive in place of the worm gear arrangement of FIG. 12.More specifically, valves 250, 254, 258 and 262 of FIG. 28 arecontrolled via a valve drive system that includes a gear train featuringgears 290 a, 290 b, 290 c and 290 d. As illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29,a pair of sprockets 520 a and 520 b are secured to gears 290 b and 290d, respectively, by spur gear inserts 522 a and 522 b. Sprockets 520 aand 520 b are engaged by a drive chain 524 which is selectively drivenby an electric drive motor 526. As a result, the configuration of thevalves 250, 254, 258 and 262 may be controlled by activation of theelectric drive motor 526. As illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 30, the geartrain, sprockets, drive chain and electric drive motor are secured tothe manifold blocks 264 a and 264 b by drive housing 528.

The above system therefore provides a cart that collects fluids in theoperating room with an on board vacuum, and also offers automatedoperation with touch screen menu control. The system also includes astation “coupler” that contains water, waste, and electrical lines inone unit. The coupler automatically engages with a cart when insertedinto a “receiver assembly” of the cart and, once engaged with thecoupler, the cart automatically cycles through drain, wash, anddisinfect cycles. The system is capable of identifying which cartcylinders have fluid in them and drains, washes and disinfects onlythose cylinders. At the end of the draining, washing and disinfecting,the cart is automatically changed back to operation for the operatingroom. The system also provides a warning prior to cylinders becomingfull during fluid collection in the operation room to allow operator tochange to next cylinder if needed.

While embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, itwill be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes andmodifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit ofthe invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A coupler for removably connecting a medicalwaste fluid collection cart to a drainage station comprising: a) ahousing including a wash supply fitting and a wash drain fitting; b) aratchet pivotably positioned within said housing; c) a handle attachedto said ratchet and extending out of said housing so that said handlemay be moved between a release position and a lock position; and d) ahook arm having a proximal end attached to said ratchet and a distal endfeaturing a hook portion, said hook portion extending out of the housingwhen the handle is moved into the lock position so that a receptacle isengaged by the hook portion which prevents removal of the coupler fromthe receptacle until the handle is moved to the release position and thehook portion is retracted into the housing.
 2. The coupler of claim 1wherein the receptacle is positioned within the cart.
 3. The coupler ofclaim 1 further comprising a composite hose including a wash supply lineconnected to the wash supply fitting and a wash drain line connected tothe wash drain fitting.
 4. The coupler of claim 3 wherein the housingalso includes an electrical connector and the composite hose alsoincludes a data line and a power line in communication with theelectrical connector.
 5. The coupler of claim 1 wherein the proximal endof the hook arm is pivotally attached to the ratchet and wherein thehook arm features a generally L-shaped slot and further comprising a pinpositioned in the housing, said pin traversing the L-shaped slot whenthe handle is moved between the release position and the lock positionso that said hook portion extends out of the housing when the handlereaches the lock position.
 6. The coupler of claim 5 further comprising:e) a solenoid positioned within the housing and featuring a ram; f) atoggle pivotally positioned within said housing and pivotally connectedto said ram, said toggle including a first tooth and a second tooth; g)said ratchet including a release slot that is positioned so that thefirst tooth of the toggle is received therein when the handle is in therelease position and the a lock slot that is positioned so that thesecond tooth of the toggle is received therein when the handle is in thelock position; and h) a proximity sensor positioned in said housing andin communication with said solenoid, said proximity sensor activatingsaid solenoid when the coupler is positioned within the receptacle sothat said solenoid moves said ram so that said toggle is pivoted so thatthe first tooth is removed from the release slot and the second toothmay engage the lock slot.
 7. The coupler of claim 1 further comprising:e) a solenoid positioned within the housing and featuring a ram; f) atoggle pivotally positioned within said housing and pivotally connectedto said ram, said toggle including a first tooth and a second tooth; g)said ratchet including a release slot that is positioned so that firsttooth of the toggle is received therein when the handle is in therelease position and the a lock slot that is positioned so that thesecond tooth of the toggle is received therein when the handle is in thelock position; and h) a proximity sensor positioned in said housing andin communication with said solenoid, said proximity sensor activatingsaid solenoid when the coupler is positioned within the receptacle sothat said solenoid moves said ram so that said toggle is pivoted so thatthe first tooth is removed from the release slot and the second toothmay engage the lock slot when the handle is rotated into the lockposition.
 8. The coupler of claim 7 wherein the release slot and thelock slot are two separate slots.
 9. The coupler of claim 7 furthercomprising a tension coil spring connected between the housing and thetoggle so that said toggle is urged into a position where the firsttooth engages the release slot of the ratchet and the second tooth isreleased from the lock slot of the ratchet.
 10. The coupler of claim 9further comprising an emergency release button positioned in saidhousing, said emergency release button in communication with saidsolenoid so that when said emergency release button is pressed, saidsolenoid is deactivated so that said tension coil spring causes thesecond tooth of said ratchet to be removed from the lock slot so thatthe handle may be pivoted into the release position to permit removal ofthe coupler from the receptacle.
 11. The coupler of claim 7 furthercomprising a switch that is in circuit between the proximity sensor andthe solenoid, said switch energizing the solenoid when the coupler ispositioned within the receptacle.
 12. A station for removably connectingto a medical waste fluid collection cart for draining and washingmedical waste fluid containers of the cart comprising: a) a drain pump;b) a wash drain line in communication with the drain pump; c) a flushingpump adapted to communicate with a source of washing liquid; d) a washsupply line in communication with the flushing pump; and e) a couplerincluding: i. a coupler housing including a wash supply fitting incommunication with the wash supply line and a wash drain fitting incommunication with the wash drain line; ii. a ratchet pivotablypositioned within said coupler housing; iii. a handle attached to saidratchet and extending out of said coupler housing so that said handlemay be moved between a release position and a lock position; iv. a hookarm having a proximal end attached to said ratchet and a distal endfeaturing a hook portion, said hook portion extending out of the couplerhousing when the handle is moved into the lock position so that areceptacle of the cart is engaged by the hook portion which preventsremoval of the coupler from the receptacle of the cart until the handleis moved to the release position and the hook portion is retracted intothe coupler housing.
 13. The station of claim 12 further comprising astation housing containing the drain and flushing pumps and furthercomprising a composite hose extending between the station housing andthe coupler, said composite line including the wash supply line and thewash drain line.
 14. The station of claim 13 further comprising aprocessor positioned within the station housing and wherein the couplerhousing also includes an electrical connector and the composite hosealso includes a data line and a power line in communication with theelectrical connector and the processor.
 15. The station of claim 12wherein the proximal end of the hook arm is pivotally attached to theratchet and wherein the hook arm features a generally L-shaped slot andfurther comprising a pin positioned in the housing, said pin traversingthe L-shaped slot when the handle is moved between the release positionand the lock position so that said hook portion extends out of thehousing when the handle reaches the lock position.
 16. The station ofclaim 15 further comprising: e) a solenoid positioned within the couplerhousing and featuring a ram; f) a toggle pivotally positioned withinsaid coupler housing and pivotally connected to said ram, said toggleincluding a first tooth and a second tooth; g) said ratchet including arelease slot that is positioned so that the first tooth of the toggle isreceived therein when the handle is in the release position and the alock slot that is positioned so that the second tooth of the toggle isreceived therein when the handle is in the lock position; and h) aproximity sensor positioned in said coupler housing and in communicationwith said solenoid, said proximity sensor activating said solenoid whenthe coupler is positioned within the cart receptacle so that saidsolenoid moves said ram so that said toggle is pivoted so that the firsttooth is removed from the release slot and the second tooth may engagethe lock slot.
 17. The station of claim 12 further comprising: e) asolenoid positioned within the coupler housing and featuring a ram; f) atoggle pivotally positioned within said coupler housing and pivotallyconnected to said ram, said toggle including a first tooth and a secondtooth; g) said ratchet including a release slot that is positioned sothat the first tooth of the toggle is received therein when the handleis in the release position and the a lock slot that is positioned sothat the second tooth of the toggle is received therein when the handleis in the lock position; and h) a proximity sensor positioned in saidcoupler housing and in communication with said solenoid, said proximitysensor activating said solenoid when the coupler is positioned withinthe receptacle so that said solenoid moves said ram so that said toggleis pivoted so that the first tooth is removed from the release slot andthe second tooth may engage the lock slot when the handle is rotatedinto the lock position.
 18. The station of claim 17 wherein the releaseslot and the lock slot are two separate slots.
 19. The station of claim17 further comprising a tension coil spring connected between thehousing and the toggle so that said toggle is urged into a positionwhere the first tooth engages the release slot of the ratchet and thesecond tooth is released from the lock slot of the ratchet.
 20. Thestation of claim 19 further comprising an emergency release buttonpositioned in said coupler housing, said emergency release button incommunication with said solenoid so that when said emergency releasebutton is pressed, said solenoid is deactivated so that said tensioncoil spring causes the second tooth of said ratchet to be removed fromthe lock slot so that the handle may be pivoted into the releaseposition to permit removal of the coupler from the receptacle of thecart.
 21. The station of claim 17 further comprising a switch that is incircuit between the proximity sensor and the solenoid, said switchenergizing the solenoid when the coupler is positioned within thereceptacle.
 22. The station of claim 12 further comprising a stationhousing containing the drain and flushing pumps and the source ofwashing liquid, wherein the source of washing liquid includes a supplyof bleach and a supply of enzyme.